ALLIGATOR POACHERS CITED IN ORLEANS PARISH

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two residents of Texas and a Jefferson Parish man on July 15 for alleged alligator violations.

John Clulee Jr., 28, of Marrero, Francisco Menedez, 20, of Houston, Texas, and Christopher D. Coleman, 20, of Aransas, Texas were each cited on July 15 for taking an alligator during a closed season and illegal possession of an alligator.

Recently, the Region VIII Enforcement Office has received numerous complaints concerning non-residents killing alligators near the Bayou Savage Wildlife Refuge in Orleans Parish. The agents were conducting surveillance of this area when they saw Clulee, Menedez and Coleman capture a 5-foot alligator and then place the alligator in the bed of a pickup truck. After agents issued citations to the three subjects, they released the alligator unharmed.

Taking alligators during a closed season and illegal possession of alligators each carry a fine up to $750, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court cost.